Imperial Crown Lily

FRITALLARIA IMPERIALIS - AN IMPRESSIVE SPRING FLOWERING BULB

Fall is the time to plant the spring flowering bulbs.
So if you want to enjoy the beauty of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and crocus
in your garden next spring, that's the time to select and plant the bulbs.
As you are choosing the bulbs take a minute to consider one of the unusual
spring bulbs, the 'Imperial Crown Lily', Fritallaria imperialis. I consider
this bulb a 'real conversation piece' because of its stately, upright unusual
habit of growth and lush foliage.

Here's what makes the Imperial Crown lily so unusual. The dark-green leaves
that form at the base are strap-like and very attractive. Then, from the
center of these leaves, comes at least one flower stem, usually 2 to 4 feet
tall. At the top of the stem is another series of glossy dark green leaves,
under which the flowers form. There are usually five to six flowers completely
encircling the stem. The flowers are bell shaped and hang down, creating
an unusual flower-and-foliage combination.

You don't need a lot of bulbs to make a big show. In fact, these flowers
are so unusual that it will only takes one to three bulbs to create a nice
display. We have a group of three in a bed near our entry and when they are
in bloom, they create more interest and comment than all the rest of the
bulbs in the garden.

The most common varieties that are available tend to be in shades of yellow
or orange. However, in recent years growers have introduced new ones in shades
of burnt orange and red. Although most flowers are about 1 ½ to 2 inches
across, some of the new ones range in size up to 3 inches across. The larger
flowering ones are often only available from specialty bulb firms.

LOCATION

Although the bulbs will grow almost anywhere in the northwest garden, they
seem to do best in full sun or part sun and shade. If it is grown in warmer
climates, such as east of the Cascades, it should be grown in partial shade.
The one basic requirement is that it be planted in well-drained soil.

Since it is such an unusual bulb and a real conversation piece, it should
have a special spot in the garden. Perhaps in a bed or container near the
entry area, on the patio or where-ever foot-traffic is heavy so it can be
enjoyed to its fullest. Imperial Crown lilies work well in containers or
as a focal point surrounded by other spring flowering bulbs. It flowers in
mid-season, making it an excellent companion for the mid-season tulips and
hyacinths.

MOLE CONTROL

The bulb and plants have a rather strong odor. In fact, it is believed, the
bulbs put off an odor that discourages moles and rodents. This past spring
we planted a few of the bulbs, in a bed in our garden that was mole infested,
and the moles left, so I am convinced they work. Incidentally, the bulbs
are still in that bed and the moles have not been back. (So if you have a
sensitive nose, you may not want to plant this bulb too close to the front
door of your home.) And, by all means, when you buy this bulb do not take
it into the house. Store it in the garage of leave it outside until you are
ready to plant it. My suggestion, is to plant it immediately, so there is
no chance of forgetting to plant it, which I did one year, because it was
not with the rest of the bulbs.

SOIL PREPARATION

Prepare a rather large planting hole, because this bulb develops a fairly
deep root system. With your existing soil, mix in some organic humus, in
the form of compost, peat moss or processed manure. Then add a couple of
tablespoons of a bulb fertilizer. The addition of a soil and bulb dust will
also help protect the bulb from insect and disease infestations. Of course,
read and follow application directions.

If your soil tends to be heavy (clay or hardpan), put 2 or 3 inches of a
sandy loam or fresh water sand, below the bulbs to assure good drainage.

PLANTING

First, it's not unusual for the bulbs of the Imperial Crown lily to be up
to 4 inches in diameter. Most bulbs of that size we plant quite deep, but
not this one. Set it only 5 to 6 inches deep.

One other important point. You will notice either a hole or indentation in
the center top part of the bulb. If the bulb is set upright in the planting
hole, water will collect in that area and the bulb is apt to rot. So simple
plant the bulb on its side. The new growth will still find its way to the
surface, and you lessen the chance of losing the bulb.

Add an unusual spot of color to your spring garden by planting the 'Imperial
Crown lily' this fall.